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BS in Nursing - RN to Bachelor of Science Degree

The School of Nursing (SON) faculty recognizes the need and desirability for registered nurses to attain baccalaureate and masters degrees within Maine. The nursing faculty has designed two options for RNs - the first leading to a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) and the second (described in USM's Graduate Catalog) leading to a Master of Science degree.

RNs returning to school face many challenges; every effort is made to remain attentive and flexible in adjusting the plan of study and accommodating individual needs. Advice regarding prerequisites, course planning, and course sequencing for RNs may be obtained by contacting the School of Nursing

All RNs must fulfill the University's 30 credit residency requirement (6 credits earned at another UMS campus may be applied toward residency).

The SON recognizes a maximum of 30 nursing credits (RN credit options) transferred from an associate's degree nursing (ADN) program as basic nursing credits required in the baccalaureate program. Nursing credits earned in the ADN program beyond the basic 30 credits above may be used as elective credit. RNs graduating from a diploma program will be awarded the basic nursing credits (30) for a fee, upon successful completion of NUR 308, Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing. Additional information may be obtained through the Office of Prior Learning Assessment.

Admission to the RN to BS option is open to graduates of both diploma and associate degree nursing programs. Students may begin their program of studies in either fall or spring semester.

The RN applicant must (a) meet the general admission requirements of the University, (b) provide evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse in Maine, and (c) have a GPA of 2.5 or better. Applications of those candidates with a GPA below 2.5 will receive consideration by the Undergraduate Admissions and Advancement Committee.

Deadline: Rolling admissions

For more information about this program, please contact the School of Nursing

The following courses must be successfully completed, or may be available for credit by examination, prior to entry into the upper division nursing courses:

College Writing

General Psychology

Introduction to Sociology

Multicultural Human Development

Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship course

Introduction to Statistics (prior to CON 321)

Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II**

Chemistry for the Health Sciences**

Microbiology for the Health Sciences

Pathophysiology

**Chemistry and anatomy and physiology requirements are waived with the successful completion (minimum grade of C) of pathophysiology.

University requirements in general education or the Core curriculum must meet the progression standards of those curricula.

Matriculation in the USM School of Nursing is required prior to enrollment in upper-level nursing courses. The courses that RN students may take prior to matriculation are CON 356 and CON 321. NUR 308, NUR 309, and NUR 310 may be taken prior to matriculation provided the student has passed NCLEX-RN. Clinical courses may not be taken unless RN credit options have been completed and posted.

*RNs graduating from a diploma program will be awarded the basic nursing credits (30) for a fee, upon successful completion of NUR 308, Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing. Additional information may be obtained through the Office of Prior Learning Assessment.

Unless previously approved, students must take all required CON and NUR courses at USM.